It’s been 16 months since Harry Potter has swept through
theaters and on Nov. 19, he’s back again and—Dare I say it?—better than ever. I
caught Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 before it hits theaters at
midnight and thought it was fantastic.

Though it retains the darkness (and the director) of the
previous two, Deathly Hallows blends uproarious comedy with necessary gravity
to create a seamless, fast-moving film that stands confidently on its own two
feet.

Diehards and casual appreciators alike know what’s going to
happen: Harry, Hermione and Ron turn their backs on Hogwarts to hunt down and
destroy the horcruxes that Voldemort has created to make himself immortal.

But somehow, director David Yates manages to pull off a few
surprises and improve upon J.K. Rowling’s utterly excellent story.

The best addition? The push to flesh out Ron’s character. Harry’s
sidekick, played by Rupert Grint, emerges as an intensely loyal friend, a sweet
would-be BF and a top-notch strategist with a ruthless edge.

There’s a lot to look forward to: The awkward dance scene
between Harry and Hermione. More screen time for our two favorite house elves.
The return of Imelda Staunton as the deliciously evil Dolores Umbridge with her
pink suits and insufferably girly giggle. And that’s just the tip of the wand.

One more thing I loved? Seeing the wizarding world beyond
Hogwarts. A brief glimpse of the Burrow has never been enough to satisfy this
Potterhead. Malfoy Manor, the Weasley’s humble abode, Godric’s Hollow—we’re
treated to all that and more this time around.

I’ve got only one complaint: Rabid fans might be at a bit of
a loss when it comes to putting names with faces, particularly when it comes to
the inner circle of Death Eaters. While the problem is insignificant to the
plot, I was left puzzling over which black-swathed figure was which
bloodthirsty fiend.

The sacrifices made, however, fade quickly into the
background. While devoted readers might note that scenes they loved in the book
are absent from the movie—such as Dudley’s farewell to Harry—they will not miss
them. The film is complete as it is, and deftly tells the story I’ve come to
know by heart. And what a story!

Be sure to catch Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part
1 when it releases in theaters midnight, Nov. 19.

What are you looking forward to seeing most
in the latest Harry Potter flick? Blog about it, Potterheads.